The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has announced the squad for the ODI series against Afghanistan, starting November 6. Najmul Hossain Shanto will remain captain for the 50-over matches, despite previously expressing a desire to step down.
After a disappointing 2-0 Test series loss to South Africa at home, the 26-year-old had been silent about his captaincy. However, BCB President Faruque Ahmed has reportedly persuaded him to continue leading the team.
Mehidy Hasan Miraz is expected to captain the Test side, while either Taskin Ahmed or Towhid Hridoy will lead in T20Is. Pacer Nahid Rana, who has only played Tests, has been included, while Litton Das is absent due to illness and Tanzim Ahmed is sidelined with a shoulder injury.
Bangladesh ODI squad: Najmul Hossain Shanto (Captain), Soumya Sarkar, Mehidy Hassan Miraz (Vice Captain), Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Zakir Hasan, Mushfiqur Rahim, Rishad Hossain, Mahmudullah Riyad, Tawhid Hridoy, Jaker Ali Anik, Nasum Ahmed, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Shoriful Islam, Nahid Rana.
Faruque Ahmed clarifies Shakib Al Hasan’s absence from the Bangladesh squad
BCB President Faruque Ahmed previously stated that all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan would not be available for the 50-over matches, indicating that he is not fully match-ready. He shared this information with reporters in Chattogram, as quoted by Cricbuzz.
“When he (Shakib) could not play the last Test (against South Africa), he was disappointed from his side. What I feel is that when he could not play he was disappointed and did not practice. He is a very professional player and felt that because he is not into training it will not be wise for him as well as for the country to play this series (against Afghanistan).”
Afghanistan is coming off a historic ODI series victory against South Africa. All three ODIs between Bangladesh and Afghanistan will be held in Sharjah.
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